Brad Keselowski, owner and driver for RFK Racing, provided a candid injury recovery update following a serious setback during the off-season. After a difficult 2025 campaign, Keselowski aimed to return to competitive form for 2026, but a fall during a family ski trip resulted in a leg fracture requiring surgery and the insertion of metal rods to aid his healing.
As Keselowski focused on his recovery, RFK Racing made adjustments to their season plans. The organization prioritized his well-being, opting for the veteran to skip the upcoming Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, which serves as the unofficial NASCAR season opener. This decision emerged from the understanding that a full recovery is essential before returning to racing at a high level.
Why RFK Racing Chose to Withhold Keselowski from the Clash
Taking the decision seriously, both Keselowski and RFK Racing evaluated the risks of an early return. Rather than pushing for a rushed comeback, they jointly agreed it would be unwise for him to participate in the Clash, especially given the limited opportunity for physical testing and race preparation prior to the event.
“I didn’t want to rush back. The team and I made the decision together that if all the rehab went absolutely perfect, we’d be ready like, literally, the day of the Clash. And that seemed super-foolish and didn’t give us any time to do any testing on myself or anything like that.” — Brad Keselowski, told Fox Sports (RACER.com).
Keselowski was clear that he would only consider rejoining the track if his recovery was flawless. Without that guarantee, stepping back from the Clash emerged as the most responsible plan.
In his absence, veteran driver Corey LaJoie will step in to pilot the No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, giving LaJoie another opportunity to compete in the top tier. LaJoie, who publicly expressed his support for Keselowski, relished the chance to race at a venue where Keselowski claimed victory in the 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame 150 ARCA Menards Series East race.
“Happy to be of service. Wishing BK a speedy recovery. Let‘s go get another trophy at The Madhouse.” — Corey LaJoie wrote on X.
The Severity and Challenges of Keselowski’s Injury
Revealing more about his rehabilitation, Keselowski shared that he broke his femur, which is the body’s largest and one of the most painful bones to endure a fracture. The recovery process is intensive and demands considerable time and commitment to ensure readiness for high-impact events like the upcoming Daytona 500.
“I’m not great, but I’m good, I’m recovering really well. I had a major injury. I’m on a significant rehab plan to be back for the Daytona 500. … I’m now made of titanium in my leg. It’s a really painful thing to break. It’s the biggest bone in your body, which is kind of the bad part about it.” — Brad Keselowski said.
The injury has left Keselowski with new challenges, as he undergoes constant physical therapy and adapts to the pain. However, he remains hopeful about the outlook, noting the femur’s capacity to heal faster than many other bones, even though the pain is more severe than any previous injuries he has experienced.
“The good thing is it’s also one of the fastest healing parts of your body, so I’m just really dealing with the pain and trying to recover as fast as I can. I’ve broken a lot of different bones and parts of my body. I will tell you, none of them come close to hurting as bad as breaking your femur. It’s a very painful injury…” — Brad Keselowski added.
This experience emphasizes the physical toll professional drivers face, especially when off-track activities result in unexpected setbacks. Despite his absence, RFK Racing is working closely with Keselowski to ensure a complete and effective rehabilitation, with the goal of seeing him back behind the wheel for one of the sport’s most important races.
Implications for RFK Racing and the Wider NASCAR Community
Keselowski’s accident has reignited ongoing discussions about whether NASCAR teams should impose stricter guidelines on drivers engaging in potentially risky activities during their contracts. The absence of a key team member due to injury not only impacts race day performance, but also can lead to significant financial losses from missed sponsorship opportunities and race winnings.
With Corey LaJoie taking over at The Madhouse—Bowman Gray Stadium’s nickname—RFK Racing hopes to stay competitive while Keselowski continues his recovery. Meanwhile, the team’s handling of the situation highlights the intense pressures that surround driver fitness and the calculated risks of preparing for a new season.
The coming weeks will be critical as Keselowski works to meet his rehabilitation timeline and sets his sights on returning to the track in time for the Daytona 500. Fans, sponsors, and fellow drivers alike will be watching closely to see if one of NASCAR’s most resilient veterans can stage a successful comeback following one of the most painful challenges of his career.
🫡 happy to be of service. Wishing BK a speedy recovery. Let’s go get another trophy at The Madhouse. https://t.co/4Hc6dzT7WB
— Corey LaJoie (@CoreyLaJoie) January 8, 2026
